Arsenal to launch move for unsettled City ace

The powerful defender is believed to be considering his future at the Etihad Stadium, with first-team opportunities limited in his two favoured roles of centre-back and right-back.

Richards has 18 months remaining on his current contract, and although he is open to staying with the Sky Blues, he is desperate to play regularly in a bid to get his career back on track after a series of injury setbacks.

This has alerted Arsene Wenger, who is ready to spend £10m to lure the burly enforcer to London.

The Frenchman is known to be a huge fan of the 25-year-old, and sees him as an ideal long-term replacement for Bacary Sagna – who looks set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Wenger is ready to tempt him with regular action in the build-up to the World Cup, which could book him a spot on the plane for the showpiece tournament in Brazil.

Newcastle are also in the race, but the lure of Champions League football and a title challenge at the Emirates Stadium is likely to put the Gunners ahead in the race for Richards’ services.